Monstera plants can transform your space into a lush, green sanctuary, which is why they have become a popular choice for gifting.
Whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor monstera variety, we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the best monstera varieties that make for perfect gifts. These kinds are not only popular but are also quite simple to grow, which makes them a great choice for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Best Indoor Monstera Varieties for Gifting
Split-leaf Philodendron
Botanical Name: Monstera deliciosa
Origin: Central and South America
Size: Up to 10 feet tall indoors
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings
Toxicity: Mildly toxic
Monstera deliciosa, also known as the split-leaf philodendron, hails from the lush rainforests of Central and South America and is a popular house plant around the world.
It features large, glossy leaves adorned with irregular splits and holes. These unique leaf characteristics allow for a play of dappled light that creates captivating shadows that dance across the room.
As it matures, the split-leaf philodendron can reach heights of up to 10 feet indoors.
Best for: The split-leaf philodendron is perfect for anyone seeking an iconic, low-maintenance indoor plant that adds a touch of tropical elegance to their living space.
Adanson’s Monstera
Botanical Name: Monstera adansonii
Origin: Central and South America
Size: Up to 12 feet in the wild
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy
Toxicity: Toxic
Monstera adansonii, also known as the Swiss cheese vine and Adanson’s monstera, is a perfect choice for those who like trailing plants.
This monstera variety comes from Central and South America, where it thrives as an epiphytic plant, often clinging to trees in its natural habitat. Adanson’s monstera has small leaves that look like they have tiny holes and patterns on them.
Its cascading vines drape gracefully over pots, shelves, or hanging baskets, bringing a sense of the wild into your home.
Adanson’s monstera thrives in bright, indirect light, and its vines can reach lengths of up to 12 feet.
Best for: Monstera adansonii is ideal for plant lovers who appreciate trailing vines and intricate, fenestrated leaves in hanging baskets or trellises.
Thai Constellation Monstera
Botanical Name: Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’
Origin: Thailand
Size: Up to 8 feet indoors
Light: Bright, indirect light with some filtered sunlight
Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering
Toxicity: Mildly toxic
Thai constellation monstera is a variety derived from Monstera deliciosa that has marbled and variegated foliage.
Each leaf has creamy-white splash patterns that create an exquisite contrast against the deep green background.
Whether placed in a well-lit living room, a cozy bedroom corner, or even as a focal point in a home office, Thai constellation monstera elevates the aesthetic appeal of any indoor setting.
Best for: Thai constellation monstera is an excellent choice for those who want a unique, variegated monstera that can serve as a striking conversation piece and thrives in indoor spaces.
Monstera Peru
Botanical Name: Monstera karstenianum
Origin: Native tropical regions of Peru
Size: Up to 4 feet tall indoors
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Keep the soil evenly moist
Toxicity: Non-toxic
Monstera karstenianum, also known as monstera Peru, has compact leaves without the usual patterns of holes and splits. These plants originate from the tropical regions of Peru and have the ability to flourish in more confined spaces.
Best for: Monstera Peru is a lot smaller than the other varieties and is a great option for plant enthusiasts with limited space. Its compact growth habit allows it to fit on tabletops, shelves, or even in small corners.
Silver Monstera
Botanical Name: Monstera siltepecana
Origin: Mexico
Size: Up to 3 feet tall indoors
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering
Toxicity: Non-toxic
Monstera siltepecana, also known as silver monstera, is a type of monstera that has slender, silver-striped leaves. This captivating variety is native to the lush landscapes of Mexico with a moderate climate.
The silver monstera is low-maintenance and thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate moderate levels of shade.
Its relaxed watering needs and tolerance to different conditions allow plant lovers to enjoy its beauty without the stress of high upkeep.
Best for: The Monstera siltepecana is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts who admire slender, silver-striped leaves and minimum care requirements.
Best Outdoor Monstera Varieties for Gifting
Philodendron Silver Queen
Botanical Name: Monstera pinnatipartita
Origin: South America
Size: Up to 10 feet outdoors
Light: Partial shade to dappled sunlight
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
Toxicity: Mildly toxic
Monstera pinnatipartita, also known as philodendron silver queen, originates from the lush landscapes of South America. It has deep green leaves intricately divided into multiple lobes.
Its lush, sprawling vines and tropical appearance evoke a sense of exotic allure that will transform your garden into a vibrant, jungle-like retreat.
While it thrives in partial shade to dappled sunlight, it can adapt to a variety of light conditions, which makes it suitable for various garden settings.
Whether you have a spacious backyard or a cozy urban balcony, the philodendron silver queen creates a lush, tropical paradise right outside your door.
Best for: Monstera pinnatipartita is ideal for people looking to infuse their outdoor space with tropical vibes.
Window-Leaf Monstera
Botanical Name: Monstera obliqua
Origin: Central and South America
Size: Up to 10 feet outdoors
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Maintain consistently moist soil
Toxicity: Toxic
Monstera obliqua, also known as window-leaf monstera, comes from the tropical landscapes of Central and South America.
People often say that Monstera obliqua has many holes in its leaves, sometimes more holes than actual leaf material. Because these holes are quite large, and the leaves are very thin, this plant is fragile and needs careful handling.
It has those patterned leaf holes and splits and graceful vines that can sprawl gracefully across arbors, trellises, or pergolas, and transform any outdoor space into a tropical paradise.
Best for: The Monstera obliqua is a perfect gift for people who want to create a lush, tropical paradise in their garden or any outdoor space.
Swiss Cheese Plant
Botanical Name: Monstera epipremnoides
Origin: Central and South America
Size: Up to 10 feet outdoors
Light: Partial to full shade
Water: Keep soil evenly moist
Toxicity: Mildly toxic
Monstera epipremnoides features large, deeply lobed leaves with unique, irregular splits, reminiscent of a lush jungle canopy.
Its beauty is complemented by its ability to thrive in partial to full shade, which makes it an excellent choice for gardens with varying light conditions.
This monstera variety is known for its resilience and adaptability, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced gardeners.
Best for: Monstera epipremnoides is a perfect choice for outdoor gardeners who want to add robust and distinctive foliage to their landscaping.
Shingle Plant
Botanical Name: Monstera dubia
Origin: Central and South America
Size: Up to 6 feet outdoors
Light: Bright, indirect light to partial shade
Water: Keep soil consistently moist
Toxicity: Non-toxic
Monstera dubia, also known as the shingle plant, is native to the tropical landscapes of Central and South America. It grows compactly with small leaves shaped like elongated arrowheads.
Its smaller stature makes it perfect for gardens with limited space, patios, or balconies, where it can be showcased as a unique centerpiece.
The shingle plant’s adaptability to bright, indirect light and partial shade ensures it can flourish in various outdoor environments, from sunny garden beds to shaded corners.
Whether planted in the ground or in decorative pots, Monstera dubia brings a sense of adventure and botanical fascination to your outdoor oasis.
Best for: Monstera dubia is great for compact outdoor spaces and for people who appreciate its leaf shape and exotic charm.
Philodendron Cobra
Botanical Name: Monstera standleyana
Origin: Central and South America
Size: Up to 8 feet outdoors
Light: Bright, indirect light with some filtered sunlight
Water: Maintain consistently moist soil
Toxicity: Mildly toxic
Monstera standleyana, also known as the philodendron cobra and five-hole plant, originates from the lush rainforests of Central and South America. It has an intricate dance of colors and patterns on its leaves.
The leaves have cream-white stripes against a deep green background, creating a visually stunning addition to any outdoor garden.
It can be placed amidst garden beds, against trellises, or even cascading from hanging baskets.
Best for: Monstera standleyana is the perfect gift for people who seek to elevate their outdoor oasis with a touch of botanical artistry.